3 Simple Ways to Make Big Money on the Weekends

The search for elusive weekend jobs that pay well might be a tough one — but it doesn't have to be. Most of us spend on our days off, but these smart women have figured out ways to rake in serious cash in their downtime. Read on to find out exactly how they're doing it, including insider secrets, pricing tips, and actual step-by-step guides to getting started started.

“I make up to $600 a weekend as a pet sitter.”

“After my divorce, I needed a second job I could do on the weekends that was flexible. When a friend told me she worked as a pet sitter, I knew it would be a great way to make extra money.

“I read about Thumbtack.com, a site that connects people looking for help with various tasks, and I decided it would be an easy way to find clients. I filled out a profile, and now when a pet-sitting opportunity becomes available, Thumbtack notifies me and I respond to the clients to set up a time to meet them and their dogs. I also send the clients my background check and proof of insurance — the insurance isn’t necessary, but I got it (for $25 a month) because I realized if I were hiring someone to come into my house, I’d want her to have insurance.

“When I meet clients, they give me their keys and tell me what they need me to do, like how much to feed their pets or how often to walk them. Sometimes the pets need medication too. When I’m working, I send my clients photos of their pets so they know everything is okay.

“I charge a flat fee of $25 to start, and $10 for each time I return. If a client wants me to stay overnight, I charge $50. And if they have more than two dogs, my rates are a bit higher. I’ve had up to six families per weekend, so I can earn up to $600. “I enjoy pet sitting because I love animals and helping other people. It’s also a flexible, easy way to make money for extras, like getaways with my kids.”

“I bring home up to $200 a weekend as a babysitter.”

“I’m a writer and a performer and I homeschool my son, who has autism. I blog about my experiences with him (MissyVaughnDean.com), but I was looking for a way to bring in some
extra money and have the flexible schedule I need to take care of my son. Years ago, I had worked as a nanny, so when I heard about Chime by Sittercity (HelloChime.com), a service and app that matches you with local babysitting opportunities, I signed up.

“To get started, I had an in-person interview with their staff and they ran a background check and checked my references. Then I recorded a video about myself and my experience, which was added to my profile.

“Anytime someone books me, I get a notification. I then email the client and set up a time to meet them and their children. Chime makes it easy to find work, especially if you’re busy and need a flexible schedule. Even better: I can make money on the weekend with-
out the stress of a regular part-time job. I’ve been doing this a while, so I have a lot of ongoing clients who book me over and over because we’re a good fit.

“I usually watch one child but I’ve watched up to four children at one time. I work between 8 and 12 hours each weekend and I earn a flat fee of $14 an hour for one child and $1 for each additional child, so I can make up to $200 a weekend.

“I love children and I like knowing that I’m helping other families get out for a day or have a date night. I also love the flexibility and the money I make, which has paid for summer camp for my son and a trip to California!”

“I earn up to $50 a day as a house sitter.”

“I was working as a secretary but I needed a way to make extra cash on the weekends. I learned about house sitting after I saw an online ad, and it seemed liked the perfect way to make money. People hire house sitters when they’re traveling to deter thieves and to have someone at their home for deliveries or repairs. I used to house-sit when I lived in the United States, so when I moved to Europe I started to house-sit there too.

“I find jobs in a variety of ways, like through HouseSittersAmerica.com, which charges a registration fee of $30. I also set up my own website where I post videos on YouTube to promote my services. Some people who hire house sitters pay for your time, but others offer free rent only.

“When I hear about a listing, I send the homeowner information about me and find out what the job requires. Some people ask me to water their plants or pull weeds, get mail, accept packages or make sure their pool is clean. Sometimes the homeowners leave food and I can use their kitchen to cook my meals, but I usually bring my own food.

“I make $20 to $30 a day, but I’ve also earned as much as $50 a day. The tasks I have to do while working take anywhere from one to three hours, and the rest of the time I’m on call and responsible for the house. I love house sitting because it’s so easy and fun! The money I make goes back into my company (ExpatRealTV.com) or I put it toward travel.”